There’s a big chance that you have uterine fibroids but you don’t know it. Many women develop uterine fibroids in their uterus without feeling any symptoms. In some cases, women mistake the symptoms as a regular illness.
The severity of fibroid symptoms may depend on the number of tumors as well as the size and location. For women who haven’t experience pregnancy, there’s little risk of getting fibroids. It’s because the tumors often appear during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids may cause great inconvenience and pain because of the symptoms. They can range from mild to severe depending on your case. The common symptoms of fibroids are the following:
- More than a week menstruation
- Heavy bleeding (pregnant and non-pregnant)
- Spotting
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Leg and/or back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent and/or painful urination
- Constipation
- Difficulty conceiving
For non-pregnant women, some of these symptoms may be simple illnesses or conditions. But when pregnant women experience these, it’s important to contact a doctor immediately.
Blood Clots and Uterine Fibroids
Heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids depends on the location. These fibroids are called submucosal which can be found in the inner layer of a uterus.
These “submucosal” fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding paired with blood clots. The fibroids don’t need to be large. They can be smaller than 4cm and still cause blood clots.
These aren’t too dangerous, but it may be an inconvenience. Yet, blood clots during pregnancy is a different thing.
Pregnant women’s bodies have a defense mechanism that creates blood clots. It’s natural since the body tries to prevent severe blood loss during pregnancy and childbirth.
But, blood clots can turn into DVT or deep vein thrombosis. This condition occurs when the blood clots in the veins of the pelvic area or legs. This can be a dangerous condition for pregnant women and their babies. Risks of DVT also increases post-pregnancy.
Pregnant women who develop submucosal fibroids are at higher risks of DVT. It may cause them to bleed heavily and can increase chances of large blood clots which may lead to DVT.
Removing Submucosal Uterine Fibroids
If you wish to stop the heavy bleeding and blood clotting, you can undergo a procedure. This procedure is called the hysteroscopic myomectomy. This is the least invasive procedure that can remove the submucosal fibroid.
A hysteroscopic myomectomy may not be done for pregnant women. There are certain risks to performing a myomectomy during pregnancy. But, it’s possible after giving birth.
For women who plan on getting pregnant, it may be a good idea to get checked for submucosal fibroids first. You may undergo a hysteroscopic myomectomy first before conceiving. This may lower your chances of bleeding and blood clots which may also lower the risks of DVT.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids may cause a lot of symptoms depending on certain factors. Having submucosal fibroids aren’t dangerous for non-pregnant women. But, pregnant women with this kind of tumors might have increased risks of DVT.
This is why it’s important to get a regular check-up when you’re pregnant. Also, get yourself checked before conceiving. This will increase your chances of going through a healthy pregnancy.
Share this:
